2009 DC quarterback lands his first offer

Junior quarterback Emmanuel Yeager out of Washington (D.C.) Ballou has picked up his first scholarship offer. The 6-foot-2, 184-pounder landed the offer from the Big East.

"Pittsburgh offered me last Thursday," he said. "I actually like Pitt. Coach Wannstedt was a coach on my favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys and he's got a lot of ties to the next level. They have a strong academic school and play nice football, two key points for me.

"I like North Carolina a lot too. One of my close friends, Marvin Austin is down there and I'm familiar with Coach Shoop. Some of my other top schools are Maryland and Virginia. I'm also getting interest from Connecticut, Tennessee, California, Stanford, Louisville, Florida and Syracuse."

The 2009 quarterback has already taken a few unofficial visits this fall to North Carolina, Maryland, Penn State and Virginia.

"I went to Maryland for the Boston College game recently," he said. "I was happy to see them win. I was surprised they had they like they did. I like Maryland since it's close to home.

"Virginia impressed me a lot when I went there, but I liked North Carolina too."

With so many schools showing interest, what is Yeager looking for in a college?

"Really, I know at this day and age football is not promised to everyone, eventually the ball will go flat," he said. "The scholarship means what am I going to do later in life. Of course, football is big since at the end of the day that's why they are giving it to me to go there. I'm looking at schools that'll fit my style of play, and I want to be wanted."

Yeager has thrown for approximately 1,746-yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He's added 400-yards rushing and three touchdowns this year on the ground.

"This season has been going well, we're on a five game winning streak," he said. "This team shows a lot of heart and fights through controversy.

"I feel I've done well. Last year our defensive coordinator told me that I need to get bigger, stronger and faster and I think I've done that."

So, what makes Yeager stick out as a prospect?

"I think it's my enthusiasm for the game," he said. "I'm a threat to run and pass. I don't try to be a Michael Vick, but I can get positive yardage and attack defenses. I think I'm pretty good at reading coverages too.

"I think I need to work on keeping my spirits high in the game and not get derailed by penalties that stop a drive. I also have to listen to my coaches more, trust my line and keep up with my footwork."